Freelancers have the opportunity to live the dream. Making your own schedule, staying in the comfort of your home, having easy access to the kitchen… But as with most things, these perks are a double-edged sword. Whether you’re freelancing full-time or part-time, maintaining your work from home productivity is a challenge most of us have to overcome.
So, here are some tips to help you get the most out of your home-based business!
1. Create a Space Dedicated To Your Work
Technically, you can absolutely work from your bed. Or your couch. Or your TV room. Unfortunately, our brains are hardwired for habits and it can be really difficult to get into work mode when you’re in a relaxation space.
You’ll likely have more success with work from home productivity when you have a space that’s just for work. It doesn’t have to be an office per se. You can generate cues that tell your brain “I’m at work now” in a variety of ways. One idea is to stock the space with your work supplies:
- Computer
- Files
- Pens, pencils, and paper
Having a spot where these items belong will remind your brain that, when you’re here, it’s time for work.
That may mean it’s the kitchen table where you can work alongside your kids doing their homework. Or a closet-turned-office. Or getting out of the house and spending time at a co-working space. Or a combination of these depending on the day! The key is to have spaces that signify getting down to work in your brain.
2. Set a Schedule Conducive to Work-From-Home Productivity
It’s definitely a perk of freelancing that no one tells you what to do with your time. But too much freedom often leads to entire days where you get nothing done.
Rather than allowing the day to happen to you, set a schedule. It doesn’t have to be a traditional nine to five with an hour lunch break at noon. Your schedule can mold to your personality and preferences—you’re the boss, after all!
You may be surprised by how your work from home productivity can exceed any in-office experience you have (as long as you actually get down to work at the scheduled time). Setting hours that truly work for you is a game-changer.
3. Get Dressed
For some reason, working in your pajamas is seen as the pinnacle of freelancing freedom. Three cheers for PJs!
But, here’s the thing: Pajamas can make us feel lethargic. This phenomenon is similar to the workspace question—pajama time is sleep time. Get up, shower, and get dressed for the day. You’ll probably see a big spike in productivity.
Instead of longing for endless pajama days, revel in the fact that you can wear jeans and a hoodie (or whatever makes you the most comfortable) to your “office.” The key is that getting dressed tells your brain it’s time to work.
4. Guard Against Work From Home Productivity Busters
Distractions are all arou… Ooh, look at this photo my friend just posted!
Let’s face facts: social media and games are big time sucks. It’s incredibly common to “just check your notifications” and then realize you’ve lost an hour or more of your life.
As a freelancer, you can’t afford to lose that much time.
You definitely need to schedule some breaks for yourself. But save the games and social media for non-work hours.
Read more: Ideas for self care >>
5. Do Errands and Chores Outside Work Hours
It’s tempting to run out to the grocery store midday and beat the 6pm crowds. Or just throw in a quick load of laundry. After all, you work from home and can do whatever you want whenever you want!
But if you spend your work hours doing errands and chores, when will you focus on your freelance business?
Time is a limited resource. Trying to squeeze in errands during your workday means you’ll have to play catch-up during your off-hours. And if you try to force your brain to work when it’s ready to relax, you’ll find that most tasks take much longer than necessary.
Will you occasionally need to do some non-work things during the business day? Sure! But you can still get them done outside of your scheduled work hours.
You’ll increase your work from home productivity by preventing your housework from interfering with your client work.
So, if you haven’t already, go back to #2 on this list and set your working schedule. It could be that midday is outside your working hours and the perfect time to do grocery shopping. But if midday is when you’re at your peak for productivity, that time is better spent on the work that’s going to bring in your income!
6. Remember to Socialize
There’s no proverbial watercooler in your home office. (Even if you have a literal watercooler.) Even though it’s rare to be best friends with ALL of your coworkers in the office, work-from-home freelancers miss out on spontaneous social interactions. Our social lives contribute to our overall health and happiness.
Without coworkers, you have to make an extra effort to socialize.
- Hang out with friends in the evening.
- Get out of the house on the weekend.
- Have lunch with someone in your network.
Working from home gives us a lot of freedom. But even introverts can find it lonesome at times. And trust me when I say that loneliness will negatively impact your work from home productivity.
Your turn! What do you do to make sure that your time at home is as productive as you can make it? Let us know in the comments below!
Last Updated on July 1, 2023.
